Press releases
Belarus Events Calendar: MAY 2025
Premiere of Black Castle movie based on Vladimir Korotkevich’s novel
The Black Castle is a modern adaptation of Vladimir Korotkevich's historical detective novel ‘The Black Castle of Olshany’. Forty years have passed since its first screen adaptation: a film of the same name by director Mikhail Ptashuk was premiered in 1984. This time, screenwriter Gleb Shprigov and director Kirill Kuzin took on the task of reinterpreting the novel. Even before the official premiere in Minsk, The Black Castle won the Special Jury Prize of the Feature Film Competition and the Special Prize “Cinema without Borders” of the CIS Executive Committee at the Minsk International Film Festival Listapad 2024. According to the plot of the historical drama, young professor Anton Kosmich (Evgeny Shvarts) finds himself in trouble after an ancient gospel belonging to the Olshany family finds its way into his antique store. To save himself and unravel the secrets of the past, he goes to Olshany... The screen adaptation of one of the most famous works of Belarusian literature was attended by Anastasia Krasovskaya, Evgeny Stychkin, Evgeny Shvarts and Vitaly Kishchenko.
When: 12 December 2024 - 2 December 2025
Where: cinemas in Belarusian cities
A new program at Belarusian circus
The Belarusian State Circus invites on a journey to a special planet called “Circus”. Audiences are expected to see a spectacular performance: the new program features acrobats, aerial gymnasts, vaulters, jugglers, clowns and tamed bears, dogs and cats. Planet Circus promises to be an unforgettable show, in which fantasy meets reality and each act will thrill the audiences.
When: 1 February - 11 May
Where: Belarusian State Circus, 32 Nezavisimosti Avenue, Minsk
Fashion history exhibition in Grodno
The exhibition about fashion trends of the 19th - early 20th century calls to “Inspire. Shine. Dream”. It presents items of women's clothing, iconic examples of accessories, perfumes, cosmetics of world and domestic manufacturers. The exhibition features more than 700 items, including a “golden” court dress from the late 19th century, a necklace from the 1970s as a reflection of the universal admiration for the treasures from Tomb of Tutankhamun, and jewelry from fashion designer Hattie Carnegie, inspired by the art of ancient civilizations in Mexico. The exhibition is based on the private collection of Tatiana Fedosova. The exhibition also showcases the objects of the 19th - early 20th centuries from the collection of the Museum of the History of Religion: paintings, artistic items made of porcelain and metal, antique furniture, which is shown to visitors for the first time.
When: 23 February - 17 May
Where: Grodno State Museum of History of Religion, 16 Zamkovaya Street, Grodno
Exhibition project to celebrate Victory Day in the National Library of Belarus
The exhibition project dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War displays exhibits from 14 museums of the country. It presents the history in reverse chronological order: from the Victory Parade to the beginning of the war. The exhibition presents items of trench art, personal belongings, homemade weapons of partisans, effects of prisoners of concentration camps, homemade books and diaries, medals, archive documents, articles and essays about the exploits on the battlefields. The most striking exhibits include the original entrance ticket to the 1945 Victory Parade, photographs of soldiers near the Reichstag and the Brandenburg Gate...
When: 27 February - 21 September
Where: National Library of Belarus, 116 Nezavisimosti Avenue, Minsk.
Interactive excursion program in Loshitsa manor house
The Loshitsa Manor museum, one of the most popular sights of Minsk, invites visitors to go on the Magpies ethnographic journey and explore the modern folk art and crafts exhibition Memory Trove. The interactive program is based on the Belarusian folk calendar and is dedicated to spring rites.
When: 17 March - 1 May
Where: Loshitsa Manor museum, 10 Chizhevskikh proezd, Minsk
Art Minsk 2025: Exhibition of contemporary Belarusian art
A large exhibition project called as Art Minsk showcases more than 550 pieces of art by 225 contemporary Belarusian artists. One of the goals of this large-scale project is to enrich the cultural life of the city and present the most relevant trends of the art scene. This season, the project has received more than 1,300 applications, which was a record high. The expert jury selected 550 artists from different cities to participate in the project. Visitors have an opportunity to buy the works of art (90% of them are available on the online platform Artcenter.by) and to support artists by voting.
When: 28 March - 4 May
Where: Palace of Art, 3 Kozlova Street, Minsk
Breaking the Silence exhibition at National Center for Contemporary Art
The project “Breaking the Silence” at the National Center for Contemporary Art explores communication: how it originates, expresses itself, develops and is cut off. The exhibition includes more than 50 works by contemporary Belarusian artists. The project looks into how the word becomes a powerful tool and visual object, and how silence becomes a way to convey feelings. The curators invite viewers to reflect on how modern technology and human emotions create new forms of dialogue and connections between people.
When: 10 April - 1 June
Where: National Center for Contemporary Art, 3 Nekrasova Street, Minsk
Exhibition about space at National Center for Contemporary Art
The exhibition dedicated to the International Cosmonautics Day and the space flight of Marina Vasilevskaya (the first one in the history of the sovereign Belarus) is a continuation of the international project “100 Smiles of Gagarin. A Smile for the World” created for the 90th anniversary of Yuri Gagarin. The exposition presents several hundred photographs from 30 countries and works by Belarusian artists themed around space. Among the authors are Galina Vasilieva, Aleksandr Zabavchik, Sergei Krishtapovich, Anatoly Kuznetsov, Leonid Khobotov...
When: 12 April - 21 September
Where: National Center for Contemporary Art, 3 Nekrasova Street, Minsk.
Photo exhibition about Great Patriotic War in Minsk
‘From the son of a soldier’, ‘To my mother’, ‘For my family to remember me’, ‘Wait for me and I will come back’… The photos with such memorable inscriptions that survived the Great Patriotic War are on display as part of a special project dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Victory. Mikhail Art Gallery Savitsky presents about 200 photos of the 1940s - 2000s. These are pictures from the front, memorable portraits to families and friends, from soldiers' family archives, photo newsreels of war correspondents. Correspondents and cameramen on the front did incredible things, conveying emotions, pain and hope through black-and-white photos. The exposition is complemented by thematic works by contemporary photographers, who captured city holidays, parades and processions to commemorate the Great Patriotic War, memorials and monuments.
When: 24 April - 1 June
Where: Mikhail Savitsky Art Gallery, 15 Svobody Square, Minsk
International Festival of Guitar Music
The 30th jubilee international festival called as Guitar Renaissance and the 20th competition of the same name will be held in Gomel in early May. Musicians from different countries will compete in performing skills. The nominations include classical guitar, electric guitar, bass guitar, acoustic guitar, an ensemble or orchestra and the guitar masters contest. In addition to the music competition, the program includes lectures, workshop by leading performers and teachers, and an exhibition of guitar masters.
When: 3-4 May
Where: City Culture Center, 16 Irininskaya Street, Gomel
Historical reenactment in Grodno: Storming of the Reichstag and 1945 concert
Significant moments of the Great Victory in 1945 will be reenacted in Sovetskaya Square in Grodno. For maximum authenticity, the director's group studied historical literature, photos, documents, the wording of orders given in those days by Georgy Zhukov and Vasily Chuikov and the tasks set by the Soviet army commanders by radio. The audiences will see many vivid episodes, including the entry of the famous Katyusha into the square, the work of a traffic controller, the overthrow of fascist symbols - flags and emblems, the hoisting of the Red Banner of Victory. A special moment will be the reenactment of a concert by Lydia Ruslanova, who in May 1945 performed on the steps of the Reichstag singing the famous Valenki, Blue Handkerchief, Dark Night...
When: 4 May
Where: Sovetskaya Square, Grodno
Yurye rite in Dyatlovo District
Yurye is one of the most famous spring rituals in Belarus. This folk rite is named after St. Yuri, the patron saint of peasant fields and domestic animals. From time immemorial this holiday has been celebrated like the Second Easter. Participants in the ritual walk through the village, stop at crosses, and sing songs asking St. Yuri for protection, a good harvest, favorable weather, strong health, happiness and prosperity. This ritual is observed in various regions of Belarus. However, the village of Okhonovo, Dyatlovo District, performs it a bit differently. Newlyweds who got married during the year make a traditional round during the ceremony.
When: 5 May
Where: Dyatlovo District Center of Culture and Folk Art, Okhonovo village, Dyatlovo District, Grodno Oblast
Spring Dreams: Ballet Gala Concert at Bolshoi Theater of Belarus
From the romantic tenderness of Swan Lake, the mysterious charm of La Bayadere to the dazzling opulence of Don Quixote - the Bolshoi Theater of Belarus invites you to enjoy a feast of music, beauty and grace. The gala concert will comprise choreographic acts from world-famous works that have won the hearts of the audience. A refined touch will be added by modern compositions of chief choreographer Igor Kolb and young choreographer Anastasia Golesheva. The gala concert will feature both renowned ballet dancers Irina Eromkina, Anton Kravchenko, Marina Vezhnovets, Yuri Kovalev, Aleksandra Chizhik, and young dancers Elizaveta Musorina, Andrei Bariev, Daria Chuvargina, Diana Bagatova, Ivan Kamyshov.
When: 7 May
Where: Bolshoi Theater of Belarus, 1 Parizhskaya Kommuna Square, Minsk
9 May – Victory Day
Belarus will mark the 80th anniversary of the Victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War with large-scale patriotic events, commemorative rallies, flower ceremonies at war memorials, thematic exhibitions, concerts and meetings with war veterans. To mark the anniversary, the Belarusian capital will host a grand military parade, some elements of which will recall the Victory Parade of 1945 in Moscow. The parade will consist of two parts - historical and modern ones. The historical part will feature servicemen carrying the standards of the fronts - banners of formations and military units which liberated Belarus. A new part will include parade formations in uniform and with weapons recreating the atmosphere of the 1945 parade. There will also be formations of partisans, military canine handlers and de-miners. The modern part of the parade will feature equipment and weapons of the Belarusian Armed Forces: from armored vehicles to with various samples of communication and electronic warfare equipment.
The parade marking the 80th anniversary of the Victory will comprise 24 squads and more than 220 units of wheeled and tracked vehicles. A flypast of combat helicopters and aircraft of the Air Force and Air Defense Forces of the Armed Forces of Belarus is also in the plans. Taking part in the parade will also be servicemen from friendly countries - Russia and China, as well as banner groups with the state flags of the CIS countries.
Where: All cities of Belarus, memorials, museums
Innovations for Victory Day celebrations in Minsk unveiled
Over 200 war veterans to participate in Victory Day parade in Minsk
Concert of Kharoshki Dance Company in Minsk
The Belarusian State Dance Company Kharoshki with more than 50 years of history has developed an impressive concert program to mark the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory. The program will feature choreographic compositions Lyavonikha, Myadunachka, Zhytnyovy Ramans, Karagod, Vitsebskaya Polka, Vyaselle. All of them are a production of outstanding choreographer, founder of the dance company, winner of the State Award of the Republic of Belarus, People's Artist of Belarus Valentina Gayevaya. The program will also comprise premieres of choreographic and vocal-instrumental compositions staged by artistic director, Honored Artist of the Republic of Belarus Irina Grushova. Among the highlights will be war songs Katyusha, Dark is the Night, Cranes, and others.
When: 10 May
Where: Yanka Kupala National Academic Theater, 7 Engels Street, Minsk
International show of vintage cars Retro Minsk 2025
One of the largest car festivals in the post-Soviet space, Retro Minsk, which has been held since 2008, invites owners of rare cars that are over 40 years old. This year’s event is dedicated to the 80th anniversary of the Great Victory of the Soviet people in the Great Patriotic War. The main program will take place on10 May: after the grand opening of the rally and the open-air exhibition (until 13:00), participants will drive in a convoy from the venue near the National Library of Belarus on Independence Avenue to Oktyabrskaya Square, where the exhibition-presentation will take place. Visitors to the festival can explore the unique specimens of timeless automotive classics (cars and motorcycles), competitions and prizes, live music, entertainment, and, most importantly, a chance to connect with fellow enthusiasts.
When: 10 May
Where: National Library of Belarus – Oktyabrskaya Square, Minsk
Cinderella ice show by Evgeni Plushenko in Minsk
One of the most decorated figure skaters in the world, four-time Olympic champion Evgeni Plushenko, will premiere his new show at Minsk Arena. The director of the production, based on Charles Perrault’s famous fairytale "Cinderella" is Sergei Filin. Audiences can expect a spectacular show featuring ballet, aerial acrobats, special effects, and multimedia technologies. Alongside Evgeni Plushenko, who plays the role of the King, the main roles will be performed by: Elena Kostyleva (Cinderella), Russian junior champion, known as the only female skater in the world currently performing quadruple jumps; Anna Shcherbakova (Fairy Godmother), European and World champion, 2022 Olympic champion. Dmitry Aliev, Makar Ignatov, Anna Frolova, Veronika Zhilina, and Sofya Titova will also take part in the show.
When: 10 May, 17:00
Where: Minsk Arena, 111 Pobediteley Avenue, Minsk
Bee festival in Porechye
The festival in Porechye is dedicated to World Bee Day, celebrated on 20 May. Visitors will be delighted by a variety of locations where they can sample products from local beekeepers. The program also includes a beekeeping workshop, exhibitions of honey plants and flowers, an art showcase by local artist Vladimir Pokumeiko, a craft fair, interactive zones, photo zones, a thematic flash mob, outdoor markets, and much more. The event will conclude with a color festival, and those who attend dressed as a bee, the festival’s symbol, will receive a special gift.
When: 17 May
Where: Porechye agro-town, Grodno District
Poletskishki candy festival in Grodno Oblast
The history of this festival in the agro-town of Poletskishki dates back to the 1930s, when the Voitekhovich family established a small confectionery factory producing candies based on their own unique recipes. In today's festivities, the main character is Candy, leading fun contests, relay races, and riddles. Visitors will step into a land of sweets and enjoy local treats prepared using a traditional family recipe that has been preserved since 1937.
When: 18 May
Where: Poletskishki, Voronovo District, Grodno Oblast
Zhirovichi festival
This festival of spiritual and patriotic music is held in honor of the discovery of the miracle-working Zhirovichi Icon of the Mother of God, the patroness of Belarus. The Zhirovichi Holy Dormition Monastery will host a traditional festive service and the Cross Procession. In the afternoon, the festival will begin, featuring choirs, vocal ensembles, and solo performers from different parts of Belarus. Visitors to the festival can enjoy craft workshops, an exhibition of folk art and products of the monastery, immersion in the holy spring, and a taste of healing water from the sacred source.
When: 20 May
Where: Zhirovichi, Slonim District, Grodno Oblast
Belarusian Cup Final in Grodno
The final match of the 34th Belarusian Cup competition will host around 8,500 spectators at the Neman stadium in Grodno. Soon, the teams that will battle for the national trophy will be determined. Currently, four semifinalists remain in contention: Grodno’s Neman team secured a dominant home victory against Vitebsk team (3:0), while Torpedo-BelAZ team from Zhodino and ML Vitebsk team ended their match in a draw (0:0). The second-leg semifinal matches are expected to take place on 7 and 8 May. Notably, Grodno will play host to the final of the Belarusian Cup for the second time: back in 2017, Brest's Dinamo team claimed the trophy after defeating Soligorsk's Shakhtyor team in a dramatic penalty shootout.
When: 24 May
Where: Neman stadium, 3 Kommunalnaya Street, Grodno
“Evenings at Sophia Golshanskaya’s” in an ancient castle
Sophia Golshanskaya was a Belarusian princess, the fourth wife of King and Prince Jagiello, who became the ancestor of the Jagiellonian dynasty, whose reign lasted for about 200 years. The idea to recreate “Evenings at Sophia Golshanskaya’s” emerged after the restoration of Golshany Castle was completed in 2021, and since then guests of the North Tower are immersed in the atmosphere of medieval entertainment, graceful outfits, mystical stories and legends every year. Every time the hostess comes up with surprises: fire shows, performances of artists and groups, a show of singing glasses, meetings with charmers, animated statues... The festival is accompanied by medieval music, dance workshops, knightly amusements, fun fights, archery competitions...
When: 24 May
Where: the agrotown of Golshany, Oshmyany District, Grodno Oblast
“Nightingale Nights” in the Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve
The Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve is a natural pearl of Belarus, one of the oldest nature protection areas of the highest rank in our country. Participants of the themed tour in May will get acquainted with birds of prey during an excursion in the Nature Museum and then, accompanied by ornithologists, will go on a late-night walk in the vicinity of the central farmstead of the reserve in the village of Domzheritsy. During the “Nightingale Night” the guests will learn interesting facts about nightingales, enjoy their singing and perhaps see these amazing “performers” in the wild. The next day participants will go to the “Birding School” where they will learn the skills of identifying birds by appearance and voice.
When: 25-26 May
Where: Berezinsky Biosphere Reserve, Lepel District, Vitebsk Oblast
“Show of Orchestras”: dances of the world and film music in the Belarusian Philharmonic Society
In the new season of the “Show of Orchestras”, which debuted in February 2024, the audience will be introduced to a program dedicated to dances of the world and film music. The format of the evening remains the same: the National Academic Folk Orchestra of the Republic of Belarus named after I.I. Zhinovich and the Symphony Orchestra of Belteleradiocompany conducted by Aleksandr Vysotsky will perform simultaneously on the stage of the Great Hall of the Philharmonic Society of the capital city.
When: 28 May
Where: Belarusian State Philharmonic Society, 50 Nezavisimosti Avenue, Minsk
The 23rd international festival of children’s art Golden Bee
The annual children’s art festival Golden Bee will bring together hundreds of talents from different regions of Belarus as well as CIS and non-CIS states in Klimovichi. Within the framework of the forum, which is timed to coincide with the International Children’s Day, young talents will compete for awards in vocal art (pop, folk songs), choreography (modern, folk and stage, folk and stylized dance) and visual arts (painting and graphics). The festival will cover the whole town: guests will take part in street mini performances, visit colorful folk farmsteads as well as learn old Belarusian crafts and, of course, taste national cuisine.
When: 29 May - 1 June
Where: Klimovichi, Mogilev Oblast
Night of the Ad Eaters 2025 in Minsk
Night of the Ad Eaters is an exciting show that presents the best commercials of the year, which are selected according to the laws of drama and shown on the big screen until dawn. The program is divided into several segments with a unifying idea from Jean-Marie Boursicot, a collector and connoisseur of world advertising. Thanks to his efforts commercials appear as an independent form of creative content, full of ideas, insights and artistic masterpieces. Every Night becomes a statement, behind which stand dozens of authors and the master himself, skillfully laying out this unique mosaic.
When: 30 May, 22:00
Where: Palace of the Republic, 1 Oktyabrskaya Square, Minsk
Folk art festival “Augustow Canal invites friends” 2025
“Augustow Canal invites friends” to the opening of the summer tourist season 2025, which means that guests are once again in for a memorable entertainment program. The festival will start with a procession featuring artistic groups of Grodno District and a concert of folk ensembles, local houses of culture will set up their farmsteads. The organizers promise that in 2025 it will be even brighter, merrier and more spectacular than in previous years! Excursion programs to picturesque places with a visit to the canal museum, a trip along the water route, fascinating master classes on pottery, straw weaving, embroidery, and painting are part of the package.
When: 31 May
Where: Augustow Canal, Dombrowka sluice, Grodno District
Medieval culture festival Sword of Brachislav 2025
Named after the founding prince of the city, the medieval culture festival Sword of Brachislav has existed since 2011, and during this time it has become a special feature of the Braslav land. The main events of the festival will take place at Castle Hill. Guests will see shows by historical reenactment clubs, learn how to make a live fire, enjoy performances of folklore musicians and ensembles, street theaters, and taste medieval dishes of Belarusian cuisine.
When: 31 May
Where: Braslav, Vitebsk Oblast
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